The Buffalo Bills are expected to interview Lovie Smith, recently fired by the Chicago Bears, for their head-coach opening. The NFL Network reports the official meeting will happen in Buffalo soon.

Smith would bring a strong defensive background to upgrade the team’s 4-3 scheme. In one season under former Bears head coach Dave Wannstedt, the Bills’ defense continued to struggle, despite the addition of high-priced end Mario Williams.

Smith’s philosophy would work well with the Bills. With a strong front four and solid zone coverage behind it, he helped make the Bears’ defense a premier takeaway unit. With players such as Williams and Marcell Dareus up front, and safety Jairus Byrd and cornerback Stephon Gilmore in the secondary, there are some appealing pieces to work with in Buffalo. Byrd’s father, Gill, was an assistant under Smith in Chicago the past seven years.

With a 13-season playoff drought, the Bills would love to have Smith’s steady sideline presence. While they’re always thinking Super Bowl in Chicago, Buffalo needs to become a consistent winning team first.

The Bills have already talked to former Arizona Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt and are scheduled to be part of the three-team NFL tour for University of Oregon coach Chip Kelly, along with the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles.